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NJ AR108

NJ AR108
Urges United States Department of Veterans Affairs to establish inpatient hospital facility at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

summary

Introduced
02/12/2024
In Committee
03/04/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
03/18/2024
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/18/2024

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This Assembly resolution urges the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to establish an inpatient hospital facility at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The citizens of this nation and State are indebted to the sacrifice and heroism of all who have bravely served in the Armed Forces of the United States. In return for their sacrifices, this country has made a commitment to meeting the health care needs of veterans. As of 2023, 338,012 veterans live in New Jersey, with 119,200 of them residing in the southern counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem. Currently, there is no federal Department of Veterans Affairs inpatient hospital facility in southern New Jersey, making it necessary for veterans needing inpatient care to travel long distances to northern New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware. The East Orange Veterans Medical Center is the largest health care facility serving veterans from southern New Jersey, which is over two hours away from some veterans. In New Jersey, the average resident lives approximately 12 minutes away from the closest hospital, therefore, requiring veterans to travel multiple hours for medical care is unjust. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is an ideal location for an inpatient hospital facility for veterans from southern New Jersey as it shortens the travel distance for these veterans. Additionally, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst provides a variety of other services to veterans, therefore, making trips to the base efficient and convenient for veterans and their families. It is fitting and appropriate for the State to take steps to ensure that our nation's promise of health care access is kept to the veterans of southern New Jersey.

AI Summary

This resolution urges the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish an inpatient hospital facility at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in southern New Jersey. The resolution highlights the significant veteran population in the region, with 119,200 veterans living in eight southern counties, and points out the current lack of a VA inpatient hospital facility in this area. Currently, veterans must travel long distances to receive inpatient care, often driving multiple hours to reach facilities in northern New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, or Delaware. The proposed hospital at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst would provide more convenient access to healthcare services, especially considering that the average New Jersey resident typically lives just 12 minutes from a hospital. The resolution emphasizes the state's commitment to honoring veterans' sacrifices by ensuring they have accessible healthcare, and it calls for the VA to establish this facility. Additionally, the resolution mandates that copies be sent to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and to each of New Jersey's representatives in the United States Congress, demonstrating the state's formal and official support for improving veterans' healthcare access.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Filed with Secretary of State (on 03/18/2024)
(1 Companion Bills)

bill text

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AR108
Analysis - Statement AMV 3/5/24 https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AR/108_S1.PDF
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AR/108_I1.HTM
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